Luxury Resorts in Sri Lanka, Seychelles are latest to notch top Green Growth 2050 honours

04 December, 2024

Minor Hotels, a leading global hotel owner and operator, has passed a significant milestone in its commitment to sustainable hospitality with 30 of its properties earning the prestigious Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification. The achievement underscores the group's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship across its operations in 56 countries.

Since March 2024, the Bangkok-based group has added 10 more hotels to its roster of Platinum-accredited properties. The latest additions include Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka and Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, marking the first Platinum certifications for Minor Hotels in Sri Lanka and Africa, respectively

To attain the Green Growth 2050 certification—available in Silver, Gold, and Platinum—properties must pass an extensive evaluation encompassing over 450 sustainability indicators. This rigorous process makes it one of the travel industry’s most comprehensive frameworks for measuring sustainability. Minor Hotels has set Gold or above as a minimum requirement for all its Anantara and Avani hotels, reflecting its deep-rooted commitment to corporate responsibility..

A natural sanctuary in Sri Lanka

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort has implemented numerous environmental initiatives that underscore its commitment to sustainability. Committed to biodiversity conservation, the resort has converted its nearly 90,000 sqm land area into a chemical-free zone, creating habitats for sensitive species such as dragonflies, frogs, and birds.

The resort has also formed valuable wildlife partnerships, including collaborating with Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation to establish the Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary. Through this initiative, the resort has successfully protected more than 11,000 baby turtles and counting. In their reforestation efforts, they have restored over 50% of the surrounding mangroves with native vegetation, enhancing the local ecosystem.

“Achieving Platinum is a testament to our team's relentless efforts in environmental conservation since our inception in 2015,” said Erik Billgren, General Manager at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle. “Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of natural wonders, and we are proud to implement initiatives that play a part in protecting its native ecosystems and offering meaningful experiences to our guests.”

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Respecting the landscape in the Seychelles

Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through a range of impactful initiatives. For water conservation, the resort utilises advanced technologies, including rainwater harvesting, and repurposes treated wastewater for irrigation. These measures significantly reduce water consumption and preserve vital resources.

Sustainable sourcing is another key focus, with the resort offering vegetarian and vegan menus featuring ingredients from on-site gardens. By sourcing locally, they reduce their carbon footprint and support the local economy.

Waste management practices at the resort include adopting a ‘no plastic’ policy, extensive recycling, and repurposing kitchen waste for animal feed and compost. The resort engages in community initiatives such as regular beach clean-ups and partners with local schools through the 'LOSPITALITE' program to promote conservation awareness.

“This recognition reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility,” said Gabriele Porru, Hotel Manager of Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas. “We will continue to innovate and contribute positively to our community and environment while providing a luxurious experience for our guests.”

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Consistently strong performance in Dubai

Avani+ Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites has also achieved Platinum Certification from Green Growth 2050 for the fourth consecutive year, earning the highest audit score among Minor Hotels globally.  It remains the only hotel to achieve Platinum status on its first and every subsequent audit.

"The recent accomplishments are the culmination of years of hard work across our gobal portfolio to align ourselves with, and indeed surpass, the strict standards set by Green Growth 2050. Achieving our 30th Platinum Certification is a great example of how eco-tourism, when approached creatively, can help cut emissions, climate-proof the food supply and provide locals with a living, all while making it easier for travellers to leave a lighter footprint on their next adventur" said
John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation for Minor Hotels.

Developed in alignment with international benchmarks – encompassing the key statutes of the UN Global Compact, UNEP Green Economy Principles, UN Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Labour Standards and UNWTO Ethics in Tourism – the Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification reflects the comprehensive approach taken by Minor Hotels to ensure its properties foster positive impacts on their surroundings and communities. Minor Hotels has also committed to becoming a net-zero organisation by 2050 and set intermediate goals of reducing energy and water intensities and carbon dioxide emissions.

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